tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65771030182772995102024-02-18T17:46:37.675-08:00Nanny Nora Saysnanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-21070387167591102302011-04-06T11:06:00.001-07:002011-04-06T11:06:26.533-07:00On 'What IS a Nanny'We are the Kleenex that doesn't come in a box.<br /><br />We are the jungle gym when it's cold and rainy outside. <br /><br />We are the wet nap when your fingers are sticky and dirty. <br /><br />We are the teacher before you're allowed to go to school and later after you arrive home. <br /><br />We are the chauffeur when you have appointments and extracurricular activities. <br /><br />We are the ones who hold you when you cry, cause mom can't be home to do it. <br /><br />We are the ones who catch all<br />your colds since you are too young or can't quite comprehend the idea of covering your mouth when you cough. <br /><br />We are the vomit bucket holders, the baby potty cleaners, and the bum wipers. <br /><br />We are the friend to play with when everyone else is busy. <br /><br />We are your role models and the ones you hope to be like when you grow up. <br /><br />We're the ones you want to marry before you understand what that really means. <br /><br />We are magicians who invent games when your bored and cranky. <br /><br />We are the bed when you fall asleep in the car and have to be carried in. <br /><br />We are your biggest champion and the one who knows you best, next to mom and dad. <br /><br />We are your world, until you turn 3 and want to do it all on your own. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-73553664198290432942011-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:002011-04-05T00:01:02.044-07:00On Identical Twins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU4rrqA1820CCROVYCA1PG6pVP_714C9CipL6sQVSocuVJ_MmwALMkxZWo67Nj_hID_PiG0i9aP10_bu2zOA2OMl9Skz5pTeCRO7gWgvDWd-JQTVajrvl5U-CxLWKDx5cR6ONP-jldz8/s1600/Set9DSC_0639ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU4rrqA1820CCROVYCA1PG6pVP_714C9CipL6sQVSocuVJ_MmwALMkxZWo67Nj_hID_PiG0i9aP10_bu2zOA2OMl9Skz5pTeCRO7gWgvDWd-JQTVajrvl5U-CxLWKDx5cR6ONP-jldz8/s320/Set9DSC_0639ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
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So in case you're new here or just didn't catch on...there are 3 C babies, two boys and a girl. The boys just happen to be identical twins. However, since the first month I worked here they have not looked anything alike. They certainly have similar features, there is no doubt about that, but the way they use their faces--their smiles, their grimaces--each boy is subtly different. These minute differences make it very difficult to explain when people ask,<br />
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<i>'How do you tell them apart?'</i><br />
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I just do. When I look at their faces, they are my RBC and DLC. They do not look alike anymore. Their faces are distinctive, yet is hard to put my finger on how. R's face is fuller, more square, with eyes that tilt slightly downwards at the corners. D's face is more narrow and oval shaped. Their noses differ too. D's almost turns up while R's is more flat in a way. But this is what it looks like to me, you might not agree. <br />
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In general I think if you look at them you can tell they are different. It is just about taking the time to find out which name goes with what face. I imagine it like meeting a bunch of kids at a playgroup for the first time. It takes a while to identify with certainty which boy was Max and which Jakey after you have barely seen their faces before they run off to play.<br />
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I have discovered that no identical twins look the same to me any more. Mary-Kate and Ashley each have delicate differences that make them less than perfectly identical. Zach and Cody? No problem. Teach me what name goes with what face and I'm golden.<br />
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This is not to say that I don't mix them up. In the heat of the moment I do accidentally say the wrong name. Especially if they have their backs to me and I've forgotten who is where. (A common occurrence since they NEVER sit still.) No worries though, they have no problem telling you if you make a mistake.<br />
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We used to mark their big toes with green and blue nail polish to be sure we knew their identities. It was a crutch that lasted well past their first birthdays. Their grandparents and teachers STILL ask 'SO....Who's who?' Its a bit disappointing. I think it's VERY important for the important people in their lives to know these boys for the distinct little people that they are. I try to avoid clarifying identities anymore. Maybe if people are forced to look they'll notice all the differences that are so obvious to me.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-68202435325086971362011-04-04T11:20:00.000-07:002011-04-04T17:28:05.867-07:00On Getting Ready (...With Triplets)People often ask me how long it takes me to get the Triplets ready to go anywhere outside of the house. Obviously there are many variables that factor in my answer. Have they had a bath? Are they dressed? Does anyone have to pee? Depending on the status of these and other issues it can take up to an hour or more to get them all ready and out the door, but let's look at a more simple experience. (Ha! As if ANYTHING is simple with those three!) <br />
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I told them today that we would go for a walk after lunch. As I begin to clear the table, I send APC who has finished her lunch, to go potty and find a pair of socks to wear. Like a good girl she heads to the bathroom and I soon hear the loud grating noise as she drags the step stool to the toilet. By this time, RBC has finished. I send him to put on shoes and wait for his turn in the bathroom. Within 10 seconds I hear APC screaming bloody murder as he has skipped shoes and gone right to waiting for the potty. He is standing too close to the little lady who needs privacy to do her business. I leave the handful of dishes to go break up the scuffle, admonishing APC for screaming instead of talking to her brother, and reminding RBC that other people enjoy privacy on the potty like he does. <br />
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Having wiped APC and sent her in search of socks, RBC takes his place in the bathroom and promptly requests HIS privacy. I head back to DLC who is finishing go-gurt at the table. I help him get the last drops out and send him on the same mission as his siblings --potty and shoes. <br />
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I pick up the dishes and turn to walk to the sink when APC begs for my attention. She has to show me the pretty socks she picked out. <br />
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'Those ARE pretty socks A,' I say. 'Now please sit down and put them on.' <br />
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I get one dish rinsed and put in the dishwasher before she asks,<br />
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'Is this the right foot, Norie?'<br />
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'Yes, A, socks don't matter which foot you put them on, just shoes.'<br />
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As I finish my sentence, there is more screaming from the bathroom. Of course DLC didn't think to go to one of the 2 other bathrooms in the house. He headed straight to bother R who is attempting to pull up his pants while standing precariously on the step stool and spouting off the tenets of privacy to his intrusive brother. <br />
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I break up the scuffle, have a brief fight with DLC about using another potty, remind APC and RBC to get their shoes on and rush back to the dining room to finish cleaning up. RBC meets me in the kitchen. <br />
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'Is this the right foot, Norie?' He asks.<br />
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'No, honey, you've got them on backwards.'<br />
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I turn to the sink. <br />
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'Is this the right foot?' The princess inquires. <br />
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'No, baby, try again.'<br />
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Both children switch feet and ask again. We go through the cycle all over with an affirmation that 'Yes,' they indeed have both shoes on the right feet. <br />
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I leave in search of DLC. To my surprise I find him coming down the stairs buck naked. He has used the restroom and readied himself for bath time. (Which is an event for later in the day.) There is a brief bout of tears as I ask him to get redressed because we are going for a walk. <br />
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He retrieves his clothes and there are more crocodile tears as I refuse to put his shoes on for him. (A skill he has mastered, but likes to avoid.) I eventually convince him to do it while *I* use the potty and get my shoes. As I mentioned in my <a href="http://nannynorasays.blogspot.com/2011/02/on-privacy.html" target="_blank">'On Privacy'</a> post, I have none and we continue to have the 'is this the right foot?' conversation through the door as I try to relieve my overfull bladder. (Cause seriously, when else did I have time to pee today?)<br />
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By this point RBC and APC are staring out the front door waiting to go out. There is commotion as DLC tries to weasel his way between them to see as well. I referee that fight and assure them that we'll leave as soon as I put the food and dishes away where Bailey can't reach them. (If you read my <a href="http://nannynorasays.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-pets.html" target="_blank">'On Pets' </a>post you'd understand why...)<br />
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As I'm working, quickly as possible, I hear the tell tale sign that the kids are playing with the front door handle. I stop to remind them that they are not permitted to open the door without an adult present. I work. I stop to remind them again, and a third time. This results in a time out for RBC and DLC follows suit with the same pattern of warnings and consequences. <br />
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By this time I have at least gotten the food put away and the table cleared. The dishes will have to wait for nap. (That's assuming they ACTUALLY nap today) <br />
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I collect the boys to talk about why they had time outs,<br />
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'Because we tried to open the door'<br />
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And why it's dangerous.<br />
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'Because we could get lost or pinch us in the door.'<br />
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All the while tying my shoes and fielding questions from A about when we will <i>finally</i> go. <br />
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To be honest, I can't even tell you how long all this took. 30 min? Perhaps more? I've given up trying to count. In general, I try to let them get ready alone, but if we are on a schedule, I would help more and we could probably cut the time in half. (Though there would be tears and fights since THEN they'd want to do it themselves. What can I say? They're three and they like to do the opposite of whatever I suggest.) <br />
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So this is what it's like for me to do a simple thing like take a walk in the neighborhood. It's the repetition that kills me. As if it's not frustrating enough to tell one toddler the same thing over and over, imagine that times three! It was even worse when we were wrestling winter coats and boots. Sheesh! I'm exhausted just writing about it.<br />
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So yes, it takes a while for us to be ready to do anything. However, it's better for my sanity though if I don't try to time it.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-4659160761085464842011-03-28T07:43:00.000-07:002011-03-28T13:45:55.869-07:00On Interviews, Question 2<i>Most of my nanny positions began with friends. People I knew in real life BEFORE I became their nanny. In these situations the interview appointment is often moot, but for the occasions that I have actually interviewed for a position, there are questions that seem to be the norm. I thought you might be interested in reading my answers and possibly what I think about the questions.</i><br />
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<b>What do you like most about being a Nanny?</b><br />
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There are many things I love about my job. Every day I get to play with toys, imagine, pretend, be silly, and in general avoid acting like an adult. And who can deny that I'm a love junky? The hugs, kisses, snuggles, and general affection often make my world a better place. However, when I look intently at the episodes that bring me the most joy, I am always brought back to points where I have helped my charges to learn something. It could be a life skill--dressing themselves, setting the table, brushing their hair--or something educational like counting, number/letter recognition, or how things work. Whatever the skill, I find the biggest sense of accomplishment when I see that light of knowledge in their eyes. I love the smiles, the sense of pride they acquire, and above all the realization that I am helping to prepare them for a happy and productive life. <br />
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I think this question can be very telling and informative for parents searching for a nanny. Obviously no one wants to hire someone who thinks the best part of watching children is when they are asleep. (Though I must admit that nap time IS a very important time of day for nannies who spend hours pretending they have as much energy as little people less than 1/3 their age.) ;-) <br />
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This has always been the first thing that came to mind when I was asked what is my favorite part of being a nanny. There is no doubt in my mind that the daily instruction I give is an incredibly important part of moulding these little minds. I take this job very seriously and I find it terribly rewarding. <br />
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Stay tuned for the next installment of "Questions to Ask A Prospective Nanny!" I will be addressing the opposite of this topic, what I like LEAST about being a nanny. That will surely prove interesting.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-20464177239239077092011-03-25T06:49:00.000-07:002011-03-25T06:49:26.248-07:00On Sibling LoveAPC and DLC had a weight check up at the doctor's office. That left me home with RBC. He was silly all morning. Enjoying the one-on-one attention. It was obvious he missed his brother and sister though. The moment they came home and sat down on the carpet to play with us he said,<br />
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<i> <b>"I was staying home all day and i missed you"</b> </i><br />
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He proceeded to give them both kisses and hugs, to which they responded with whines and not-so-gentle nudges to leave them alone. Turns out they weren't missing HIM so much. <br />
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It's really interesting to experience each of the triplets by themselves and it's nice to see that even if they spend much of their time together fighting over toys and annoying one another, that they do notice when the other two aren't around.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-72807164613473739152011-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-23T00:01:08.878-07:00On Music<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently, a friend of mine relayed this story to me. He and his daughter were driving in the car. He had some not exactly kid friendly music playing on the stereo. Soon enough Baby Girl requested, <i>"can you put on some more music? Not this music."</i> Confidently solidifying her point she added, <i>"This is yucky music." </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although this story amuses, it also illustrates the point of this post perfectly. It is incredibly difficult to find music that will entertain both parent/nanny and child.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Throughout my experience as a nanny, this story has repeated itself in many incarnations. Most frequently I have seen where the parents give no notice to the music they play in the car and I later hear the children repeating lyrics that are generally inappropriate. For example, J's favorite song as a toddler was M I A's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCL1RpgYxRM">"Galang"</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At first it was amusing to hear him sing along to this catchy tune. However, as the lyrics became more familiar, the drug references were obvious and soon we had to fib a bit and say the "Galang" disc was broken. EVENTUALLY he stopped asking for it.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This was not to bed outdone by the two girls of the yellow brick house. One day as we were out on an adventure, I was surprised to hear them both behind me singing, "Like this, like this, like this..." from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMm8UVSnLOk">Mim's</a> song of the same title.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Much like my </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://nannynorasays.blogspot.com/2010/12/on-parroting.html">"On Parroting"</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> post, it is obvious they are listening and taking the words in, though they may not be aware of the meanings. (At least we hope not!)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So how do we avoid this pitfall? No man (ie. parent/nanny) can musically live off of "The Wiggles" oeuvre and discs of other childrens' songs like "This Old Man" alone. Thankfully for me, there are discs like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-They-Might-Be-Giants/dp/B000068C97/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1300838520&sr=8-1">"No!"</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Come-ABCs-DVD-Combo/dp/B000BEZPSC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1300838588&sr=1-3">"Here Come The ABCs"</a> by one of my favorite bands, <i>They Might Be Giants</i>. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I find this music, produced by musicians I know and respect, much more tolerable than the random arrangement of "Old MacDonald" found on any number of CDs geared at youngsters.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSDnbSGKwUq-SMJco0A4o39daZT0mu07dr7AsYyM0bFUwL3hag54e9X11YNvjlhcvnAPGZrlb1rTA7n_ZssoXsMeb1iFSva7WDE-L1IOpq_X-epkhHjd1zNjKeGn7m0jgOKDBIUfXFtQ/s1600/Beethoven%2527s+wig+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSDnbSGKwUq-SMJco0A4o39daZT0mu07dr7AsYyM0bFUwL3hag54e9X11YNvjlhcvnAPGZrlb1rTA7n_ZssoXsMeb1iFSva7WDE-L1IOpq_X-epkhHjd1zNjKeGn7m0jgOKDBIUfXFtQ/s200/Beethoven%2527s+wig+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being a classically trained musician, I also enjoy any of the four <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Come-ABCs-DVD-Combo/dp/B000BEZPSC/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1300838588&sr=1-3">"Beethoven's Wig"</a> discs that take classical works and add historically related lyrics to make them interesting and funny. I sure could have used these during my music history "drop-the-needle" tests!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Music with the C family is a bit tough when older brother H is around. He often enjoys pop hits that may prove inappropriate for his younger siblings. (The current favorite is the relatively inocuous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wL4GWocuX5I">"Dynomite."</a> It is not uncommon for me to hear little APC singing Taio Cruz's lyrics in her sweet little voice. Obviously it is risky to set the dial to many regular radio stations while in the car. We often resort to Radio Disney, though it's not my favorite.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I suppose what I want to accomplish with this post is a reminder to parents and caregivers: they are listening. Even though the music seems like background noise to you, they are ingesting it and learning from it, good or bad. We can't always prevent them from acquiring a colorful vocabulary, so my advice is to be aware and attempt to find things that the whole family can enjoy. It may be a pain, but you can rest easy knowing that your child won't be the one reciting Eminem lyrics at school.</span>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-53929045846473535252011-03-22T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-22T03:49:11.388-07:00On The Teratoid ThreesIt isn't uncommon to hear the misplaced fear in new parents voices as they mention the dreaded 'terrible twos.' It makes sense that children would experience a greater need for independence and freedom to make more of their own choices at this age. This of course can lead to defiance and many frustrating arguments, for both parents and children alike. Sadly, the most natural outlet for a child's frustration is characterized by the two most dreaded words in the parental/caregiver vocabulary--temper tantrum. However, this 'terrible twos' distinction is misleading. We often avoid mentioning that it only gets worse by age three.<br />
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The teratoid threes as I like to call them, literally meaning "resembling a monster," can be even more frightful than the previous year. Children are more mobile, willful, and constantly struggling to determine/hold onto their place in the world--both in their home life as well as the world outside. Every conversation seems to be met with a question, "why, Norie," or a defiant "No, I don't want to...(insert anything under the sun here.)" Even if I am offering their favorite snack or activity, the triplets choose the exact opposite just for the sake of making their own choice. Heaven forbid I put my foot down. It's then that they deteriorate into tears, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Characterized by faces such as this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XlDn4_RUl9KdvoytbnGD9lYjiX5JjSsasXsV_s5WORO9A1O-WjC6q-_8po3KGHCupsHQjm2f6GL49clrqetHVrtwFD3LYOyi7UsAziPlyGdjM9uXLuMOTDA_N7SKfraXuQFT_M9EK7k/s1600/r+tantrum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XlDn4_RUl9KdvoytbnGD9lYjiX5JjSsasXsV_s5WORO9A1O-WjC6q-_8po3KGHCupsHQjm2f6GL49clrqetHVrtwFD3LYOyi7UsAziPlyGdjM9uXLuMOTDA_N7SKfraXuQFT_M9EK7k/s320/r+tantrum.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Though this picture is amusing now, at the time I admit, I was a bit frustrated. Yes, even nanny.nora gets frustrated.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Thankfully, our 365 monstrous days of the teratoid threes pass and we negotiate these struggles day to day picking our battles and using methods of distraction to keep the peace.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I find it interesting how little talk there is of the "frightening fours." Thankfully, I have another 327 days to prepare for those. ;-)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-91935260297336179902011-03-21T07:53:00.000-07:002011-03-21T15:51:56.878-07:00On First MeetingsChildren are often wary of new people. It is not uncommon for even the most outgoing children to hide behind their parents' legs when the new babysitter/nanny arrives. It's hard not to take it personally, but I have found that the best method to winning over a new charge is a polite hello and then basically ignoring them until they make the first move. I engage the parents and ask questions about the household, finding topics that may encourage the child to speak to me. Above all I don't pressure them. When you force the issue they are even more likely to bury their heads and cry. <br />
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This works for infants as well. When they are comfortable in their parents arms, smile and say hello, possibly taking their hand or stroking their cheek. Above all avoid getting in their face, startling them, or trying too soon to hold them. You can't rush their adjustment period and taking things slow can really help. <br />
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This is why I often plan to come early or at a time when the parents will be home in order to get to know the children. This small gesture can make all the difference when the parents leave us for the first time. <br />
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These strategies don't always prevent the tears, but we'll save my tricks for calming children for another post.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-58559798931557181892011-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-16T00:01:04.318-07:00On Books: "Pinkalicious"<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/1154.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_1154.jpg' border='0' width='229' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Pink just happens to be nanny.nora's favorite color, so when a friend introduced me to this book where the main character shares my rosey obsession, I was thrilled. <br />
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The basis is simple. Girl eats excessive amounts of pink cupcakes and wakes up in the morning to find she has turned a lovely shade of pink. At first she is delighted, but after an additional cupcake turns her red, she decides to take the Doctor's advice to get back to her normal color. <br />
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Sadly, this is where the book loses my allegiance. The prescription for de-coloring this little girl is to eat lots of green veggies. This in it self would not be a problem, except that the author puts a negative spin on eating vegetables, using words like "yuck" and "ick" to describe the experience. <br />
<br />
Over all this book is entertaining and inventive even with the less desirable view of all edible greens. (My second favorite color, by the way.) <br />
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I believe with the right attitude and an open dialogue about the themes in this book, "Pinkalicious" can entertain ever the most anti-pink person. <br />
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There's even a surprise at the end! I won't spoil it her. You'll just have to read to find out. ;-) <br />
<blockquote></blockquote>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-75640882489740244622011-03-15T00:01:00.000-07:002011-03-15T00:01:03.805-07:00On OmnipotenceAs a nanny you are required to know everything: where the extra diapers are, where the kids are, and according to the kids, where every last tiny toy in the house is.<br />
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Not a day goes by that I don't hear, <br />
<br />
<i>But NORIE, where IS the...?</i><br />
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(Imagine a tiny, whiny voice and fill in the blank.)<br />
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This "need to know" often extends past the children to the parents. As an integral member of the household it is often left to me to have the whereabouts of important school and medical papers in mind. However, with 3 adults in house and six hands sorting through all the things that come in and out, this can get a little tricky. <br />
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Above all a nanny must be organized and attentive. If something slides under the couch or falls behind a the book case, I am paid to notice. <br />
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Case in point: APC acquired the book "Pinkalicious" for Chanukah. (More on this title soon, stay tuned!) Somehow, within a few days it had disappeared. Every adult searched. Multiple times. Finally, I suggested an unlikely hiding place. There is a tiny space under the large bookshelf in the living room. I have saved books from disappearing into this space before. Perhaps it slid under there? Dad (GMC) was kind enough to tilt the heavy shelf so I could poke underneath. To our surprise, out slid "Pinkalicious." (Along with a few other titles.) This discovery might not have been made had I not been in tune with the smallest detail of the Cs home. <br />
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Beyond skills of organization and attention to detail, I come back to the idea of communication. The reason the house runs as smoothly as it does is this simple technique. I may be forced to be omnipotent, but I couldn't succeed in this task without constant communication with the parents. <br />
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As you can imagine, I make lots of lists. nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-77639458995728677132011-03-14T06:43:00.000-07:002011-03-14T06:43:20.384-07:00On games: "Shape-O"Another easy project that has yielded much fun and laughter is my simplified version of "Bingo." We use shapes and small objects around the house as markers. (Today APC chose Barbie shoes and the boys small wooden blocks.) The best part is when someone achieves 3 in a row and gets to yell, "Shape-O!!!" I mean, what game isn't fun with an exclamation when you win? The parts are easy and self explanatory to make. <br />
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The card<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/851.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_851.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/852.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_852.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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The call squares<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/853.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_853.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Happy "Shape-O" players<br />
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<center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/03/14/854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/03/14/s_854.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Not only does every one enjoy getting a little loud, but they practice their shapes to boot. <br />
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This game is easily modified and can be used to practice numbers and letters as well. What variations can you all come up with? I hope you'll share!nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-13807850024959645852011-03-04T10:06:00.000-08:002011-03-04T10:09:18.451-08:00On AppreciationIf you don't like potty talk, you may want to skip this post. They always said I had a potty mouth... ;-)<br />
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RBC just pooped on the potty. (Told you there'd be potty talk! Don't say I didn't warn you.) As I was wiping him he says unprompted: <br />
<br />
"Thanks for wiping my bum all the time, Norie."<br />
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How cute is that?!? I mean really. I'll be the first to say this is generally a thankless job, but when a 3 year old somehow recognizes the fact that helping him is worth appreciation, well, that just makes my day. <br />
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I'll leave the rest of my potty talk for another post on potty training. Right now I want to revel in the fact that I'm helping to raise not only polite but appreciative children.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-33298137812499844172011-03-04T00:01:00.000-08:002011-03-04T00:01:06.381-08:00On Best FriendsMy best friend L just had her second child. Congrats lady! Just before his birth we had the chance to catch up (since she sadly lives really far away from me.) During that conversation I received one of the greatest compliments a nanny could ever hope to achieve.<br />
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"I told [my husband], the only way I'd consider going back to work full time is if we could afford to fly you out here, set you up to live, and have you be our nanny."<br />
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"Of course he asked, 'Are you serious?'"<br />
<br />
"And I told him, 'Yes! She's the only one I'd trust with my children!'"<br />
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I do not take compliments such as these lightly. I know that the choice to leave your children in someone else's care is extremely difficult. I'm honored to be held in such high esteem.<br />
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I really wish this could happen though! I would love to be able to see my bestie more than once every 5 years.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-85587280531542552282011-03-02T17:00:00.000-08:002011-03-02T17:00:10.365-08:00On Anniversary PresentsI received a little surprise when H got home from school today. It seems he had picked me out a couple of anniversary gifts. He was very excited and had to show me how he had taken great care to make sure the stones and metals matched. (A skill that he and I have been perfecting when he picks out his clothes in the morning.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK-oWbKe7P0nS736g6zOnAKuU9_AaCheoFirZRO09uwUOVjAbXAwwBG7sPSflrA0aSJsn7Vv8IVH-eFOQoXlWIABF4SAqX7CF_1j2Hq0VpHPIm1ha4mwmghSBEBGWYf_dkfhz_qHFnf4/s1600/anniversary+pretties.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdK-oWbKe7P0nS736g6zOnAKuU9_AaCheoFirZRO09uwUOVjAbXAwwBG7sPSflrA0aSJsn7Vv8IVH-eFOQoXlWIABF4SAqX7CF_1j2Hq0VpHPIm1ha4mwmghSBEBGWYf_dkfhz_qHFnf4/s320/anniversary+pretties.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq10ek4DAGTmZ34IlhLiIjKrA6XiiVWEl4awk6upNiwAJP98z3yXg0sIG6VlG5O9IpcKAKXgGA2XxqM57Ij65mkfffDVZ5dCgd3dj7FoZgVtTEm7QwWkOwFTSXlXR-Q69t9oWdMh4B9ks/s1600/pretties+with+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq10ek4DAGTmZ34IlhLiIjKrA6XiiVWEl4awk6upNiwAJP98z3yXg0sIG6VlG5O9IpcKAKXgGA2XxqM57Ij65mkfffDVZ5dCgd3dj7FoZgVtTEm7QwWkOwFTSXlXR-Q69t9oWdMh4B9ks/s320/pretties+with+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-45645891068547865772011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:002011-03-01T00:01:04.326-08:00On Anniversaries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">It's official! I have been working for the Cs for two years now. I started when the triplets turned one and they are now thriving three year olds. It has been an amazing and exhausting ride. We have all learned and grown. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg109AZiPaa0sGUoEtR7SJ588snvRMVfu-7nd3u1AjjSnE-a9dx6kKCtVwzvj2XXWkKLT2fHZUMBSfKabbuboVn2Mxb4OyNfMTE993xCTgreshfzZ6fSC9XjpDN7WB8zHzCVpjTMhIklA/s1600/Set4DSC_0553ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg109AZiPaa0sGUoEtR7SJ588snvRMVfu-7nd3u1AjjSnE-a9dx6kKCtVwzvj2XXWkKLT2fHZUMBSfKabbuboVn2Mxb4OyNfMTE993xCTgreshfzZ6fSC9XjpDN7WB8zHzCVpjTMhIklA/s320/Set4DSC_0553ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sometimes things are crazy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(As shown below)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4GLzFO4R9E3vwAhZe3j9jEs6Ar0DCLuS07Fv1FVoYkC-0YuCrTtLI3B6a9C_DybemnEjtITIDRBDEi_Ws9u9nX_ngf-UN3v8OtNNZ2VN0nNumtD4_YSkxPTkSx2FZxVtzRVpXbU_cho/s1600/Set12DSC_0681ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4GLzFO4R9E3vwAhZe3j9jEs6Ar0DCLuS07Fv1FVoYkC-0YuCrTtLI3B6a9C_DybemnEjtITIDRBDEi_Ws9u9nX_ngf-UN3v8OtNNZ2VN0nNumtD4_YSkxPTkSx2FZxVtzRVpXbU_cho/s320/Set12DSC_0681ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> But in general we get along great and have lots of fun. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTYM8nrr0rNUOzByjAe8tnwPLm75DYf3qZEUULLY07SB7UaoVVQQwdT_i50vZ2lG4d69_Gfs0rilguyHPcMTLvw9_xE2jaCW1OGOqhpclC_JLA1mZtfR_p-jE5fCaH1NwwFFQxcL1RiU/s1600/Nora+snowman+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTYM8nrr0rNUOzByjAe8tnwPLm75DYf3qZEUULLY07SB7UaoVVQQwdT_i50vZ2lG4d69_Gfs0rilguyHPcMTLvw9_xE2jaCW1OGOqhpclC_JLA1mZtfR_p-jE5fCaH1NwwFFQxcL1RiU/s320/Nora+snowman+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And sometimes we get good pictures of it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGwiRhtyGK7CkIU0cfn0oP_1rZFnQzGwPSSdzHKKRatG_vq_Os0kqPUhGixri8gpVpWS1FWTWmu0kZCP2jWwcLPd6KLgWd5SDB6tODeRrKH1Dx4YzDzcuf5u2tGHjxxS29qgPEDcAYW8/s1600/Set12DSC_0686edforprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGwiRhtyGK7CkIU0cfn0oP_1rZFnQzGwPSSdzHKKRatG_vq_Os0kqPUhGixri8gpVpWS1FWTWmu0kZCP2jWwcLPd6KLgWd5SDB6tODeRrKH1Dx4YzDzcuf5u2tGHjxxS29qgPEDcAYW8/s320/Set12DSC_0686edforprint.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you C family for a wonderful two years. I look forward to many more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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*<i>These pictures (aside from the snowman one) were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*</i>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-8335325034207951782011-02-28T09:29:00.000-08:002011-02-28T15:47:11.207-08:00On Prerogative<div style="text-align: center;">This is my blog, so I can be sad if I want to. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Feb. 28, 2011</div><div style="text-align: center;">12:03 pm</div><div style="text-align: center;">My first gray hair</div><br />
All I can think is:<br />
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"Always the nanny..."<br />
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<i>I know it's unorthodox, but I'd like to buy a consonant, Pat. </i><br />
<i>How much for 3 'M's?</i><br />
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*sigh*nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-72539935021027075252011-02-25T05:50:00.000-08:002011-02-25T05:51:14.959-08:00On Privacy<b><i>I have none...</i></b><br />
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n.n: "Ok, guys play here for a min. Norie, has to go potty."<br />
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Thankfully the Cs have an area that is childproofed enough for me to leave them briefly. However, privacy is a rare commodity. <br />
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A: "Wait for me, Norie! I'll keep you company."<br />
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Honestly, I love my job, but one daily struggle is the fact that I am always "on." There is always someone who needs me, my help, my comfort. My needs often take a back seat to the little ones I choose to assume responsibility for. Even at nap time I am vigilant, listening for the smallest rustle and anticipating problems. A nanny's job is non-stop. There are no bathroom breaks. No uninterrupted 15 min respites from work. My lunch break is not my own. My time in general is dictated by the needs of others. In general, I'm ok with that. But somedays, I'd like to take a pee in peace.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-52489069454038255652011-02-23T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-23T00:01:04.877-08:00On (Popular) Movies<div style="text-align: center;">The first movie the C family triplets ever saw in the movie theater was: </div><div style="text-align: center;">Toy Story III.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTRND2CyCL9mRRu6pia1C_-Ud9ukrb0JiMFKNowO6R4kq8l1-iWutKxiG-mSNWyJdN_4ED9pWqIBz880kxy1AvgzFhTNmDk72uYSqz8gBkEuYUH9BtMen6AdhJUsqt5NJHSQMMsKcpBA/s1600/405px-Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTRND2CyCL9mRRu6pia1C_-Ud9ukrb0JiMFKNowO6R4kq8l1-iWutKxiG-mSNWyJdN_4ED9pWqIBz880kxy1AvgzFhTNmDk72uYSqz8gBkEuYUH9BtMen6AdhJUsqt5NJHSQMMsKcpBA/s320/405px-Toy_story3_poster3-1-.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
P and G were on their 10 year anniversary vacation and I ventured to take all four children with a little help from their Aunt and Uncle. They were entranced. They were so still that their snacks sat uneaten in their laps. The only words spoken were by R whenever the screen would go blank between scenes. "What happened, norie?" He would ask. And the next time, "is it broken?" This would happen throughout the film and I just had to laugh. The only time they got a little antsy was toward the middle when the climax occurred and it got really loud. Other than that they sat slack jawed and happy.<br />
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I can't remember my first movie in the theater. I don't believe I was 2 years old though. I believe many of my first movies were viewed at the Drive-In cuddled up in the back of my parents station wagon. What a contrast to today's youth. They are bombarded with technology the moment they enter the world. I'm not judging, just marveling.<br />
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I know the C kids will see many movies in their lifetimes. Who knows how films will be available when they are my age. I feel honored that I got to share this silly milestone. I like movies. The darkness. The popcorn. Losing myself in the lights and the action. This movie, though the 3rd in the series, was great for children and parents alike, even if you haven't seen the 2 that come before. I dare say I cried at the end. (Not that the kids noticed!) Thankfully there are movies out there that families can enjoy together, cause Barney just doesn't cut it for me.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-51775788289247851582011-02-21T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-21T00:01:00.174-08:00On Other Blogs With Great Ideas: Episode 3, 10 Things Kids NeedJust for the heck of it I googled: "Things Kids Need." I suppose in the back of my mind I was looking for new blog fodder. However, what I found not only validated my approach as a nanny, but gave me some good reminders how to continue to be the best nanny.nora I can be. Please visit the Child, Youth, and Family website to read this post in its entirety. It won't take long, but it's worth it. Do it for me, or better yet, for that little person who is the apple of your eye. <br />
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<a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html">http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html</a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The 10 Things Kids Need Most:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><br />
<ul style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>1. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#OneMeetingtheireverydayneeds2" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Meeting their everyday needs</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>2. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#TwoFeelsafeandsecure3" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Feel safe and secure</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>3. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#ThreeLoveandhugs4" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Love and hugs</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>4. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#FourPlentyofpraise5" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Plenty of praise</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>5 <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#FiveSmiles6" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Smiles</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>6. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#SixTalking7" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Talking</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>7. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#SevenListening9" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Listening</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>8. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#EightLearnnewthings10" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Learn new things</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>9. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#NineTakecareoftheirfeelings11" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Take care of their feelings</a></b></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www.cyf.govt.nz/webadmin/images/bookmarksbg.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 8px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; display: list-item; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><b>10. <a href="http://www.cyf.govt.nz/info-for-parents/the-ten-things-kids-need-most.html#TenRewardsandspecialtreats12" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #b94500; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Rewards and special treats</a></b></li>
</ul>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-83446037389083242011-02-18T06:33:00.000-08:002011-02-18T06:33:00.710-08:00On (Valentine's Day) Books (Belated)<div style="text-align: center;">This is Marylou.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEYWfonYSVSx84VDZSHbS813UBRAli4c3IYMaV38862RUG2JN14SQny4m_yeCwtCnMZTWvgsFmUrCvdjafS1KI7l96Sz2R7rVV3ZdErY1LiQe5TWMTqfhLbZPOaPlCSZIBSjLNbZ1Ck4/s1600/marilou+slug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEYWfonYSVSx84VDZSHbS813UBRAli4c3IYMaV38862RUG2JN14SQny4m_yeCwtCnMZTWvgsFmUrCvdjafS1KI7l96Sz2R7rVV3ZdErY1LiQe5TWMTqfhLbZPOaPlCSZIBSjLNbZ1Ck4/s1600/marilou+slug.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Marylou is a poet, a slug, and she's desperately in love with another slug named Herbie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYxssX0SwpnDxabMNGfHm4c7dz8s4gl3t6KPCziO0wQkiIkgj74uVawEmBdQ9B5UGlkuiqBTcLFcvtuRS4QZ8li9JYQVB4915SYhc9f_HuJtU0lLLs00Y8UCTLR40w0wpWOLABCKiX70/s1600/herbie+and+marylou+slug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjYxssX0SwpnDxabMNGfHm4c7dz8s4gl3t6KPCziO0wQkiIkgj74uVawEmBdQ9B5UGlkuiqBTcLFcvtuRS4QZ8li9JYQVB4915SYhc9f_HuJtU0lLLs00Y8UCTLR40w0wpWOLABCKiX70/s320/herbie+and+marylou+slug.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Slugs in love is a sweet book that chronicles the poetic love affair brewing between two garden slugs. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E7qrHEvjbRTWhakQzSXIYAOwr3kn11nz0hTVMoIGQn9i7La9ne4o2lFTuN76f9SAqncBiwaE2Ahpqwq84eIgvoVxYqRqV46pqN4Yqo2oxKbhA3INXoMIWRRqiUoQtq7j_2Mtv5AMY9Q/s1600/slugs+in+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4E7qrHEvjbRTWhakQzSXIYAOwr3kn11nz0hTVMoIGQn9i7La9ne4o2lFTuN76f9SAqncBiwaE2Ahpqwq84eIgvoVxYqRqV46pqN4Yqo2oxKbhA3INXoMIWRRqiUoQtq7j_2Mtv5AMY9Q/s1600/slugs+in+love.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The rhymes are simple but clever and sometimes borrow from popular literature that both kids and parents are familiar with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At first Herbie doesn't know who Marylou is. All slugs are brownish and like tomatoes, of course, but by the end they finally meet and, as expected, live happily ever after. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdCR8mJxf14pQLHA4DaYPdlzXgLut2jrPbPIKHiOf59UCwrMI2t5mSvTrCNm_STgbYdvKHTgQEc7BBdYZ5U_PDyp6qtA7P3fRx5V29ScMYwd7aw3Ovy2CneoAoeIef1roj-pPy1zFFMY/s1600/slugs+in+love+end.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdCR8mJxf14pQLHA4DaYPdlzXgLut2jrPbPIKHiOf59UCwrMI2t5mSvTrCNm_STgbYdvKHTgQEc7BBdYZ5U_PDyp6qtA7P3fRx5V29ScMYwd7aw3Ovy2CneoAoeIef1roj-pPy1zFFMY/s320/slugs+in+love+end.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-34610682299803101312011-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-17T08:40:05.594-08:00On Birthdays (JCD Edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's hard to believe the boy who once was this sweet faced cherub:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iRJG-x-uDZGRdNuany_lO3WWXNwx5uOo8vXpZZV-A0wDpGIJ8eZ9Jyg22whk_G4s0wV8rth22bm6ASRCvP9YvRAeVsSeguPw1KliFSUzzIKGDdQunB5VFoY6DvqTbYRWbTUIMcNP9_w/s1600/tata+and+noodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2iRJG-x-uDZGRdNuany_lO3WWXNwx5uOo8vXpZZV-A0wDpGIJ8eZ9Jyg22whk_G4s0wV8rth22bm6ASRCvP9YvRAeVsSeguPw1KliFSUzzIKGDdQunB5VFoY6DvqTbYRWbTUIMcNP9_w/s320/tata+and+noodle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is now turning seven and losing another tooth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YGoIepnS25wIWe320QoFd1CV-fySM-PSXofms6KBeaChYo6JyPFJ3ckvlRs5JQkgap9Xgq2kcwdUJdlpJlmusT8qrVjvWgdAzlSn3LAXc-bXiodpYPCpdrnykW5zX_u3IklNsIHqQPg/s1600/j+loose+tooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YGoIepnS25wIWe320QoFd1CV-fySM-PSXofms6KBeaChYo6JyPFJ3ckvlRs5JQkgap9Xgq2kcwdUJdlpJlmusT8qrVjvWgdAzlSn3LAXc-bXiodpYPCpdrnykW5zX_u3IklNsIHqQPg/s320/j+loose+tooth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">JCD was one of the first charges I was with full time. I worked with him from the time he was about 9 months old to two years old. (Thankfully, since he's my nephew, I still see him. Just never enough.) I got to watch as he discovered his favorite foods, learned to toddle about, and began his love affair with reading and learning. He is now an energetic young man who is intellectually ahead of his peers while still enjoying less academic pursuits like Pokemon and computer games. I am constantly amazed by his intelligence and skills. I like to believe, regardless of what the studies say, that all those hours we spent reading the Baby Einstein flash cards </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">he adored as a tot, had something to do with it. Mostly though, I think it was interacting with him, talking to him, taking the time to show and explain things to him, as well as, above all, avoiding baby talk that helped give him the foundations for the academic skills he is developing today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if I can stay on my soap box for just a moment, please speak to your children directly. Teach them new words. Don't underestimate their intelligence by speaking baby talk. Explain things and watch the excitement as they begin to understand. J is living proof that this technique works.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy 7th Birthday J! Tata loves you and is VERY proud of you.</div><br />nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-68050191876371534092011-02-16T06:30:00.000-08:002011-02-16T10:11:48.258-08:00On CaffeineSome days I feel like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfh3KBxcMquuCLDDbtnTdZUc30ZQoC0FrwfW6PZceXwNwYupzxR3TqLZAbd6ChLyfgR52GCMM4kVXUrJ1J6CjLLhkvc887KJltCMe9r7gNq7oXCEaaL2cQzwFsj24mChhlcVfW93MMMg/s1600/Windows+Photo+Gallery+Wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfh3KBxcMquuCLDDbtnTdZUc30ZQoC0FrwfW6PZceXwNwYupzxR3TqLZAbd6ChLyfgR52GCMM4kVXUrJ1J6CjLLhkvc887KJltCMe9r7gNq7oXCEaaL2cQzwFsj24mChhlcVfW93MMMg/s320/Windows+Photo+Gallery+Wallpaper.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
And some days, I just think I need more coffee.nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-33076326225528910892011-02-14T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-14T00:01:01.341-08:00On Birthdays (APC Edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXxJk_lieVFY5r7vZ7XW6FpC6xoZdEWgwuw2yznZIf5tDy3UVTKFG7X5212m2M5M-PZf8tpKghEOTqay8zuco3vHHCrT-SMnc64oyS3iumTSlSTAqWZJf0wUtaLjcUatgbOGaKr1Unwo/s1600/Set7DSC_0634ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXxJk_lieVFY5r7vZ7XW6FpC6xoZdEWgwuw2yznZIf5tDy3UVTKFG7X5212m2M5M-PZf8tpKghEOTqay8zuco3vHHCrT-SMnc64oyS3iumTSlSTAqWZJf0wUtaLjcUatgbOGaKr1Unwo/s320/Set7DSC_0634ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was a little girl, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Who had a little curl,</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right in the middle of her forehead.</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> When she was good,</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> She was very good indeed,</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But when she was bad she was horrid.</span></div><div style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-style: italic; padding-left: 1em; text-align: right; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></i></span></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important; padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></i></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<div class="author" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">~ HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW</span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></div></div></div><div style="font-style: italic; padding-left: 1em; text-align: right; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></i></span></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important; padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"></span></i></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<div class="author" style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; text-transform: uppercase;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDt_C5brcCj3KRFOwxD2pvwSe2nyAMKA_7sANrRKlErcyaw6IxA4BBgPH2rv6bGT5BOW3ZJLEE9tRd48bL04_lsjNvmD65lJSnw0q07tXoGwHPzNysSvAuRS_hMUoAaApqjELsVFqsDA/s1600/Set6DSC_0579ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDt_C5brcCj3KRFOwxD2pvwSe2nyAMKA_7sANrRKlErcyaw6IxA4BBgPH2rv6bGT5BOW3ZJLEE9tRd48bL04_lsjNvmD65lJSnw0q07tXoGwHPzNysSvAuRS_hMUoAaApqjELsVFqsDA/s320/Set6DSC_0579ed.jpg" width="217" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhO3V2SdwtHh2ku_Lt47ptkeIMbeEEo46rcuIdnchsiSW1eF5zf0Q1ix5C67g0aVMRgvKiF7dOr08Ej4KjeGHBuU0VFcxaeEFcQJb5C0OgILqfTwD2Qwvuk5sTM6kmVHb_zHKJOHpxWBQ/s1600/Set11DSC_0669ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhO3V2SdwtHh2ku_Lt47ptkeIMbeEEo46rcuIdnchsiSW1eF5zf0Q1ix5C67g0aVMRgvKiF7dOr08Ej4KjeGHBuU0VFcxaeEFcQJb5C0OgILqfTwD2Qwvuk5sTM6kmVHb_zHKJOHpxWBQ/s320/Set11DSC_0669ed.jpg" width="217" /></a>What can I say about APC? The baby of four, she is the most easy going of the triplets. Her mother often jokes how easy it would be were she an only child. A is willing and able to follow most directions without complaint, however she is smart and stubborn. She was the last to walk and perform most of the major milestones, but I honestly believe it is her choice to do it this way. I think she's smart enough to know that if she doesn't learn we'll still do it for her. She wanted to get walking "right" before she finally let go. She didn't want to fall. While getting dressed, she still begs for help because it's easier than doing it herself. She's no dummy! If you saw my post about her writing her name, you'd have to agree. She is sweet and lovable, but has a shrill shriek that could raise the dead. She loves to sing and I dare say she has great talent for it. A is slightly addicted to the television set and would sit there all day if she could, I think. She adores Dora the explorer as well as Ni Hao Kai-lan, but really any show she will veg out to. Her favorite color is pink...and purple. (She will tell you just that if asked.) :-) She is terribly attached to her stuffed cat, "meow," and can't even fathom sleeping without it. She is currently obsessed with all things princess, though Minnie-Mouse was the winner for a while. Lately she has been the most shy when we go out, attaching herself to my side, always cautious and wanting to hold my hand. In general, the boys push her around, but I think that's mostly because she's so <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">blasé about the world. She'd rather find something else to do rather than fight. (However, like I said, she shrieks, so watch out if you try to take something she <i>really</i> wants.) She is mostly easy to please and rarely throws long lasting tantrums. She is well behaved and generally good natured. I dare say she is the most well mannered of the kids, though R is catching on fairly well. I look forward to see how she develops in this family of boys. Her gorgeous curls and winning smile can melt anyone's heart. However, the Longfellow poem above that her mother often recites to her is sometimes true. ;-) </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmldkMKosBgH8ScnxfAyqX0K5ajPkipa65ltnexrbKcjIaweR1RmA2XUcG50qPLDB-zKFvdoj6YQCG3coSw-l5L9UtbQIMFwGCPGErqxQd0RgbS-PlKtBeujGReBCN4b7eYQ1iclj4QM/s1600/Set9DSC_0650ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmldkMKosBgH8ScnxfAyqX0K5ajPkipa65ltnexrbKcjIaweR1RmA2XUcG50qPLDB-zKFvdoj6YQCG3coSw-l5L9UtbQIMFwGCPGErqxQd0RgbS-PlKtBeujGReBCN4b7eYQ1iclj4QM/s320/Set9DSC_0650ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She is so easy to direct we were able to capture this photo. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks like the picture in the frame when you buy it no? </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP54WyNYmtIbSXG5UH0gPmXKVYMQs4gYFoJlxLg0CGgHiMsgySAX3-r-qRhyeM8Z_tcSAWOfK9Qrwx-qSr9AYKOAQ8iszHir4k6EPdUyE0di2oIds2C1bPB9XAfWKOzR31Rdm0kiybAIg/s1600/Set7DSC_0624ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP54WyNYmtIbSXG5UH0gPmXKVYMQs4gYFoJlxLg0CGgHiMsgySAX3-r-qRhyeM8Z_tcSAWOfK9Qrwx-qSr9AYKOAQ8iszHir4k6EPdUyE0di2oIds2C1bPB9XAfWKOzR31Rdm0kiybAIg/s320/Set7DSC_0624ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So finally we come to the end of our "On Birthdays" celebration. I look forward to comparing the children again next year. Until then, Happy Birthday C-Family Children! You are well loved... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*<i>These pictures were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*</i></div>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-20746433722557127382011-02-13T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-13T00:01:03.648-08:00On Birthdays (DLC Edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5N6ICz54_BILsZ95NexCGCjQgaeqKYoc5gBce7SHPzxbXV_Z3wYeF27Eu45o5eQV-zUnru_4z1vsfKb4QEFZIBw6RCZD9TgAjMTQPRgWdUQTMv_cf9oUP-X6FNA0wOdIYvc1i_3fgK8/s1600/Set5DSC_0569ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5N6ICz54_BILsZ95NexCGCjQgaeqKYoc5gBce7SHPzxbXV_Z3wYeF27Eu45o5eQV-zUnru_4z1vsfKb4QEFZIBw6RCZD9TgAjMTQPRgWdUQTMv_cf9oUP-X6FNA0wOdIYvc1i_3fgK8/s320/Set5DSC_0569ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
DLC is the middle child of the triplets. (The one on the right in the picture above.) His family given nickname is "Glue." He's attached to Momma C constantly. D is a total parrot and loves to tell everyone the rules (even if he won't follow them himself). He undoubtedly wants whatever toy someone else has until he gets it, then moves onto the new toy the others are playing with. He's never satisfied and seeks to be in the middle of things. D is incredibly persistent. He will follow his brother or sister around endlessly until they give up the toy in question. His favorite color is green and he has a penchant for talking in the third person. 'D's gonna have yogurt for lunch, Norie.' His favorite superhero is Batman and he likes to wear his coat by the hood on his head as a cape to be 'silly Batman.' He is obsessed with all things firefighter and his favorite tv show is 'Fireman Sam.'<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">His smile is infectious, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WG0WFtGo5LVvXqbfboFnHDFHbpTFzpdsxbPy17EluCJYA_KersmpWS6q3brQwC9ubF1FRo8gK84ptTTdwBH9sz_lqSqRuKqp6BPx2LIYZRheIF444C3AOJgzxIbRwkORKxzI13ZKg4c/s1600/dylan+close+up+on+fuzzy+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WG0WFtGo5LVvXqbfboFnHDFHbpTFzpdsxbPy17EluCJYA_KersmpWS6q3brQwC9ubF1FRo8gK84ptTTdwBH9sz_lqSqRuKqp6BPx2LIYZRheIF444C3AOJgzxIbRwkORKxzI13ZKg4c/s320/dylan+close+up+on+fuzzy+rug.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">but he can also be serious and pensive. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS0QNneAlRynBX0TwZ1L0pj1nr4B6QPChy1PixuWwhsDDHZ4-SzCYJjyBXKTnqdursOXU8u5tgVwCJ1oQzu6wFsX4yeOOMZarn_ZfrZwRtJmSFvlNwv9J5K1Z5LqFZbeSsATFc9HTJ-A/s1600/Set3DSC_0550ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS0QNneAlRynBX0TwZ1L0pj1nr4B6QPChy1PixuWwhsDDHZ4-SzCYJjyBXKTnqdursOXU8u5tgVwCJ1oQzu6wFsX4yeOOMZarn_ZfrZwRtJmSFvlNwv9J5K1Z5LqFZbeSsATFc9HTJ-A/s320/Set3DSC_0550ed.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
He is the most attached to sucking his thumb and still has to be reminded during the day that, 'We don't suck.' (Like I said, he's persistent.) He often likes to play the 'sleeping game' just so he can sneak a suck in during the long hours before nap time. He's such a trickster! He'll always be my D-illy dally. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*<i>These pictures were graciously provided by my sister-in-law. Her work with children is absolutely AMAZING. She is testing the waters at starting her own photography business. Leave her some comment love so she'll know just how successful she actually already is!*</i></div>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6577103018277299510.post-86631131543710171222011-02-12T00:01:00.000-08:002011-02-16T10:30:09.536-08:00On Birthdays (HKC Edition)<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>We interrupt this edition of 'Birthdays - Triplet Style' to mention the birth of another important member of the C family. Today is H's eight birthday. Poor guy, five years old and he was no longer the only child, but a big brother to triplets!</b></i></div><br />
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HKC is a sweetheart. A good helper, when he chooses to be, and generally sweet to his siblings. He is uber ticklish and also likes to have his back, legs, arms, and chin scratched. It's about the only thing that gets him to sit still. This ball of energy is in the science club at school, participates in boy scouts, and played flag football as well as baseball. He's a really fast runner and tremendously good at the frisbee game we made up together last summer. (<a href="http://nannynorasays.blogspot.com/2011/02/on-games-ladder-bee.html">Explained Here.</a>) His reading abilities have really exploded this year and he adores the 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' books. He's a master at wii, particularly the star wars game and madden football. He somehow has the ability to get pretty much whatever he wants from me, within reason (and if he's good). His favorite color is green and when he's concentrating he does this cute little sucking his tongue/rubbing his nose maneuver that makes me smile. He loves to cuddle, but avoids giving hugs/kisses at the bus stop. He's the only kid I know who could eat cheeseburgers for every meal but rarely touches the French fries. H is kind, athletic, tricky, and turning out to be a real entrepreneur. <br />
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<i><b>Obviously this week is a busy one at the C household. Friday was H's party. Today is the family celebration and on Sunday they will have friends over for a little get together. I suppose it's nice to get all the birthdays out of the way at once. ;-)</b></i><br />
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<i><b>Sadly, H was at school when the babies had their photo shoot with Miss Nicole. I am hoping in the summer I will be able to get some with him too. </b></i>nanny.norahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08497002333411708410noreply@blogger.com0